About Council 2191

About Council 2191

Who we are…

Columbian Council 2191 was formed on October 26, 1920 and is now in its 92nd year of service. Over those many decades’ Catholic men from our area have brought the Principles of the Knights of Columbus to the communities of Batavia, Elburn and Geneva, Illinois by serving the Parishes of Holy Cross, St. Gall and St. Peter. At present, our Council is proud to have over 300 members who live the Catholic Faith and stand as positive examples of the Catholic Church.

What we do…

The members of our Council serve as Priests, Deacons, Special Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, Lectors, Commentators, and aides to the elderly, on Parish Committees, in public office, and as volunteers in all manner of charitable endeavor, working on programs of the Council in furtherance of the Principles of the Knights. We are particularly committed to the support of life at all its stages, helping the mentally and physically challenged, supporting Catholic Education, and providing support for the poor and those suffering other hardship.

Members of our Council cook for Parish picnics and other events, pick up trash along the roadway, sponsor essay contests, a scholarship program, a free throw contest for youth, and Eagle Scout Projects. We provide financial assistance to Seminarians, and help other organizations raise funds that support their charitable and civic goals. We pray for our members and their families when they are sick or in distress and help them when they are unable to assist themselves. Some of our programs have been in operation for years and some are one time efforts. Suffice to say – we do many things for many reasons and it should not be difficult for you to find an activity in which your energy and enthusiasm would be used productively.

Unity – None of us are as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together- we can accomplish far more than any of us could accomplish individually. So we stick together – we support one another – we are Brothers.

Fraternity – The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.

Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are all proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both.

Why You Should be a Knight…

Most likely you have heard of the Knights of Columbus. Perhaps you have read about us, maybe you attended a Parish picnic where they were cooking for the crowd or a spaghetti dinner where Knights were raising funds for some organization or another. Maybe you have patronized our food booth during Swedish Days in Geneva; or have seen Knights in Regalia at Masses or other Church Ceremonies; or you have dropped some of your money into a yellow can during our annual Tootsie Roll drive for the people with disabilities. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a Knight? There are two basic requirements to being eligible to join the Knights. You must be a Practicing Catholic and at least 18 tears of age. It is that simple!

Do you ever wish you could find something to do that allowed you to make a bigger impact with your time and talent?

Life in America today is hectic – filled with responsibilities to work and family and short on time to get it all done. Being a Knight offers an opportunity to join with other men in accomplishing things that you alone could not achieve. Unlike other fraternal organizations, the Knights of Columbus are linked by their Catholic Faith and the bond created by being with other men united in a common goal. There are many reasons for joining and the activities listed above and in the section that follows provide an inventory of opportunity as a member of Columbian Council 2191.

How to Join Our Council…

Please click on the following link to send us a short e-mail with your questions or to express your interest in joining membership@kc2191.org

If you prefer calling you may contact Grand Knight Jerry Raschke at 630-849-3174.

Marquette Assembly #188

If you are a 3rd Degree Knight and interested in moving up to the 4th Degree – the following information will assist you in that step:

Marquette Assembly# 188 celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012, and is the second oldest assembly in Illinois. Geographically the assembly contains almost all Fox River area councils from Oswego in the south to Saint Charles in the north.

The main focus of the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus is Patriotism. Founded at a time in America when the patriotism of Catholics was in question, the 4th Degree helped to solve that issue.

4th Degree Sir Knights in their Regalia serve as Honor Guard escorts for the Bishop of Rockford, priests at Masses, Confirmations, Graduations and other religious events. Sir Knights also serve as Honor Guards at Knight of Columbus members wakes and funerals.

Marquette Assembly is also proud to have our own Color Corps squad to display the Flag of our Nation at parades, Special Olympics opening ceremonies and Knights of Columbus functions.

Our Assembly is also honored to have its own float, the “Santa Maria “, which has taken awards when it is shown in area parades.

Membership in the 4th Degree is open to any 3rd Degree member in good standing providing he has been a Knight for one year. Dues are a nominal $15 dollars per year. Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Batavia K of C hall.

While the officer positions have different names, assemblies are set up in the same format as councils, with the current elected officers led by Faithful Navigator Tim Cooper. Each council has a 4th Degree member who acts as spokesmen for assembly issues.